John Kerner facts for kids

John Franklin Kerner (born February 20, 1904 – died 1951) was an American baseball player. He was an outfielder in the Negro leagues during the 1930s.

John Kerner was born in Columbus, OH. He played for two different teams during his short career. He passed away in Columbus in 1951.

John Kerner's Baseball Journey

John Kerner played baseball during a time when African American players could not join Major League Baseball. Because of this, they played in special leagues called the Negro leagues. These leagues had many talented players.

Early Life in Ohio

John Kerner grew up in Columbus, Ohio. We don't know much about his early life. But he must have loved baseball to become a professional player.

Playing in the Negro Leagues

Kerner was an outfielder. This means he played in the large grassy area of the baseball field. Outfielders catch fly balls and throw them back to the infield. They need to be fast and have strong arms.

He started his professional career in 1931. He played for the Indianapolis ABCs. This team was based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

His Teams: ABCs and Stars

After playing for the Indianapolis ABCs in 1931, John Kerner returned to the league in 1933. The team he played for that year was known as the "Detroit Stars." Even though the name changed, it was still connected to the Indianapolis ABCs team.

His time in the Negro leagues was brief. He played for these two teams over just a few years. Many players in the Negro leagues had shorter careers than those in the major leagues.

The Importance of the Negro Leagues

The Negro leagues were very important for baseball history. They gave African American players a chance to play professionally. Many amazing athletes played in these leagues. They showed incredible skill and passion for the game.

Even though they faced challenges, these players kept baseball alive for their communities. They created a rich history of their own. John Kerner was a part of this important history.